On the 34th anniversary of the promulgation of the Kaçanik Constitution, the statue of former president Ibrahim Rugova was unveiled in Podujeva.

In addition to many citizens, heads of state also participated in the unveiling of this statue.  President Vjosa Osmani said that the statue of former President Rugova is not only a bronze monument, but a testament to the ideals for which he worked until his death, as she said, for a free, independent and democratic Kosovo. She emphasized that on this historic date, with the inauguration of this statue, the memory of what she calls the great leader Ibrahim Rugova is being honored, for which she said he oriented Kosovo towards the Euro-Atlantic vision and brought the attention of the entire democratic world to Kosovo.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Donika Gërvalla, said that former president Rugova as an intellectual and idealist came to the forefront of the movement for independence at a time when freedom was being destroyed and the people’s resistance was being endangered.  

Gërvalla emphasized that Rugova with his vision and prudent leadership, Kosovo not only declared independence and started its implementation, but also escaped the attack planned for decades by Serbian nationalism. Former president Fatmir Sejdiu said that Rugova, considering freedom as a basic and humane value, managed to do it. He said that with his civilizing culture and leadership, Rugova became an inspiration and pride for Albanians.

Meanwhile, the mayor of Podujeva, Shpejtim Bulliqi said that the unveiling of Rugova’s statue is an eternal memory for the man who with wisdom, perseverance and vision led Kosovo to freedom and independence. In a speech, on behalf of the Rugova family, the son of the former president Rugova, Ukë Rugova, congratulated the sculptor Gëzim Muriq for the creation of this statue, while also showing the significance of the appearance of the statue. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, was also present.